King Lud was a quasi-mythical pre-Roman King of England, eldest brother of Cassivelaunus and the eldest son of King Heli reputed to date from around 66BC. Though he in turn is supposed to have had two sons, Androgeus and Tenvantius, they were not old enough to succeed him when he passed away and Lud’s younger brother Cassibelanus became King. According to medieval tradition the two princes assisted in the defence of Britain against the Roman legions of Julius Caesar. Tenvantius built walls around the city of Brutus (Trinovantum) and renamed it Caerlud (Lud's city) from which derives its modern name London, though stronger claims exists.

It is often said there is a connection between King Lud with Luddesdown, however as exciting as this may be there is no primary evidence, the existence of King Lud seems to lie in the realm of folklore. The name Luddesdown is more likely derived from a figure mentioned in the Doomsday Book.

We credit the sources below for information above, with only minor amendments:

1. Oxford Reference
Lud - Oxford Reference
2. Mysterious Britain
King Lud & Ludgate – Mysterious Britain & Ireland
3. Wikipedia
King Lud - Wikipedia